Outfits Not Just Clothes

blazer-Gap(similar here ), tee-Style Mint(sort of similar here ), cargoes-Jcrew Factory(similar here ), loafers- Bass , jewelry-c/o Cookie Lee , bag-Thrifted You may recall a very similar look  here . I sported a variation of that outfit for a movie date with my Mom! She let me wear this jewelry (which she sells here ) for our outing. I love how the orange in the necklace plays off the stripes in the tee. Also, that "bracelet" is actually a necklace that I've wrapped a few times. I just can't seem to stay away from these cargos and loafers with a blazer... Hopefully I'll find a new uniform for 2014.  Happy New Year!   

sweater-Banana Republic(similar here ), skirt/necklace-Mikkat Market(similar here and here ), scarf-H&M(similar here ), bracelet/ring- Jewel Mint , coat-Jcrew Factory(similar here ) I love blue, navy, and teal for the holidays. They are sophisticated hues that can look formal without trying too hard. This sparkle skirt adds a festive touch without being too over the top, at least that's what I was going for. The scarf was a last minute/functional addition that surprisingly popped! 

sweater dress- Skedouche Spending the next few days with family keeping warm and cozy inside in sweats and PJs. Have a wonderful holiday and happy outfitting!

blazer / cargos -Jcrew Factory, shirt- Style Mint , belt- Gap , loafers- Bass , necklace-Gifted   Cargos, button-down shirt, blazer, and loafers has been a go-to uniform, in various forms, these past few weekends. It's always good to have a staple outfit on hand, whether it's the exact same garments each time, or a mix n' match of similar pieces.  That is all...

sweater-H&M(similar here ), skirt- Jcrew , boots-Target(similar here ), necklace- Cookie Lee Without the bright orange this outfit would be just a sweater-and-skirt combo, and possibly pretty drab. I've been sporting this necklace a lot lately, its such a neutral, yet cool accessory that lends itself to so many looks.  Jewelry, can really elevate an outfit and I think this necklace is doing so here. So yeah, sometimes you just need a bright color and an interesting piece of jewelry to make an outfit from clothes.  

WHAM! The front of this blouse is standard, but the back brings the drama! blouse-Anthropologie(similar back drama here ), trousers-Jcrew Factory(sort of similar here ), necklace-Bauble Bar(similar here ), shoes- Saks off 5th   I love how the shirt and cropped trousers came together in this outfit. I've had these pants for a while and had never worn them before yesterday. I went back and forth on how to style them and wasn't sure if a blazer was called for. But, with this shirt a blazer is completely unnecessary it's all about the cascading back hem and floral panel.  Perfect to add some drama to a Wednesday at work. 

 dress-ModCloth(similar here ), cardi/boots-Old Navy(sort of similar here and here ), scarf-H&M(similar here ), necklace- Jewel Mint , ring-Francesca's(more rings here ) This dress always makes me feel longer and leaner, the loose hanging scarf adds to that effect. I could have also gone for a longer-length cardigan, but I felt that my shape might have gotten lost in a swingy layer.  There are no hard and fast rules (in my experience) for dressing to enhance your shape, it really depends on the garment and how it falls on your frame AND especially its fabric. A shirt made in cotton could fit more loosely then the same style of shirt in silk. The fact that this dress is a knit really makes the difference. A less forgiving fabric could be completely unflattering.  And s o concludes today's lesson! By the way I was just about freezing in these pictures. My between-shots poise: